‘Unprecedented’ surge in 999 calls puts ambulance service under pressure

The North West Ambulance service are advising callers to only ring 999 for ‘real emergencies’

Ambulance chiefs are urging people to only dial 999 in a real emergency tonight after receiving an ‘unprecedented’ number of calls.

Bosses at the North West Ambulance Service issued an urgent message shortly after 4pm today saying the service was under ‘extreme pressure’ from the volume of 999 calls and incidents it was attending.

Peter Mulchay, Head of Service for the Trust, said: “The call volume we are currently experiencing is unprecedented and we are asking people of the North West to assist us by only calling in real emergencies and first of all to consider the alternatives available to them.”

The service is urging the public to drive themselves to A&E or look after themselves at home.